Latest news with #GerhardRichter
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Yahoo
How to spend the perfect day in Dresden, Germany
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Dresden's mural-adorned courtyards, modern artworks and yellow trams combine to make it an enigmatic city break destination. The Saxon capital offers laidback restaurants, riverside cafes and buzzing nightlife districts, all set in the shadows of its stately baroque buildings. Beat the crowds and tick off one of Dresden's biggest draws early, admiring the colonnaded courtyards, galleries and gardens of the Zwinger Palace, a masterpiece of baroque architecture built in the early 1700s by the Saxon ruler Augustus the Strong. Walk through the adjacent Theaterplatz, admiring the rebuilt Semperoper and Dresden Cathedral, then pop into Opera for a coffee and a hearty breakfast — the French toast is particularly good. Make the short walk to the Old Town's Fürstenzug mural, the world's largest porcelain artwork, then step inside the Frauenkirche, the latest symbol of Dresden's architectural renewal. This Lutheran church, originally dating from the 18th century, was destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt in 2005. It now stands as a pristine example of baroque architecture. Its gilded altar and pipe organ are impressive; there are organ demonstrations daily, as well as evening performances. Near the Frauenkirche is the Albertinum, a contemporary art museum that houses work by Dresden artists such as Gerhard Richter, acclaimed as the Picasso of the 21st century. Less well known are the museum's collections of East German pieces by artists such as Karl-Heinz Adler, whose work was banned from display by the Communist government. For lunch, try the nearby Anna im Schloss, where East German comfort dishes like sossklopse (veal meatballs in caper sauce) are served within the Royal Palace. Take a 20-minute stroll west of the Old Town, or jump on one of Dresden's yellow trams, to reach Kraftwerk Mitte, a cultural complex housed in a former power station. In the 19th century, this looming red-brick structure provided energy to the city, before falling into disuse — other than as a venue for illegal techno parties in the 1990s. Now it's home to cafes, restaurants and a number of theatres. Continue your exploration of the vast Kraftwerk Mitte site with a matinee performance at Staatsoperette Dresden, which stages operettas and musicals. Then, head next door to the Puppentheatersammlung, which houses a range of puppets from across the world, including Saxony's long-standing puppet theatre tradition. In centuries past, puppetry was the means by which politics, fashion and satire were disseminated among ordinary people in Saxon towns and villages; the Puppentheatersammlung tells this story while staging topical puppet plays of its own. Neustadt lies north of the Elbe River, a 20-minute walk or a short tram hop from Kraftwerk Mitte. This is Dresden's buzzing nightlife district and, despite the name, it's pretty old, much of it dating from the period after a fire ravaged the area in 1685. Modernity intrudes in striking ways, and nowhere more so than at the Museum of Military History, whose grand 1870s facade is ruptured by a steel-and-glass shard — a symbol of the fracturing nature of warfare. One of Neustadt's finest restaurants is hip, laid-back Villandry, where a small menu promises quality, seasonal ingredients. Offerings change regularly, but can include beef tongue with cornbread, vegetable strudel and venison goulash. Traditional regional dishes like these are complemented by those from further afield, like Japanese soba bowls; the common theme that runs through the menu is a richness and heartiness, perfect for warming up with on those often chilly east German evenings. There's also a fantastic range of Saxon beers, and wines from the hills near Meissen. Today, Neustadt harbours some of the city's artiest spots, such as Raskolnikoff, a bar, restaurant, hotel and art gallery housed in a listed 19th-century building. The property has been home to flats, an iron foundry and a dance hall over the years before becoming a squat for an art collective in the 1980s. Enjoy a drink or two and then head out to soak up the arty vibes of the Neustadt, making sure to check out the Kunsthofpassage, a series of courtyards adorned with colourful street murals. Published in the June 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).


National Geographic
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
How to spend the perfect day in Dresden, from gallery-hopping to baroque palace tours
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Dresden's mural-adorned courtyards, modern artworks and yellow trams combine to make it an enigmatic city break destination. The Saxon capital offers laidback restaurants, riverside cafes and buzzing nightlife districts, all set in the shadows of its stately baroque buildings. 9am: King of the Zwingers Beat the crowds and tick off one of Dresden's biggest draws early, admiring the colonnaded courtyards, galleries and gardens of the Zwinger Palace, a masterpiece of baroque architecture built in the early 1700s by the Saxon ruler Augustus the Strong. Walk through the adjacent Theaterplatz, admiring the rebuilt Semperoper and Dresden Cathedral, then pop into Opera for a coffee and a hearty breakfast — the French toast is particularly good. 11am: Religious Renewal Make the short walk to the Old Town's Fürstenzug mural, the world's largest porcelain artwork, then step inside the Frauenkirche, the latest symbol of Dresden's architectural renewal. This Lutheran church, originally dating from the 18th century, was destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt in 2005. It now stands as a pristine example of baroque architecture. Its gilded altar and pipe organ are impressive; there are organ demonstrations daily, as well as evening performances. The Albertinum houses work by Dresden artists like Gerhard Richter — claimed to be the Picasso of the 21st century. Photograph by Christian Kerber East German comfort dishes like sossklopse (meatballs with caper sauce) can be savoured within the Royal Palace restaurant, Anna im Schloss. Photograph by Christian Kerber 1pm: Delve into Dresden's modern art Near the Frauenkirche is the Albertinum, a contemporary art museum that houses work by Dresden artists such as Gerhard Richter, acclaimed as the Picasso of the 21st century. Less well known are the museum's collections of East German pieces by artists such as Karl-Heinz Adler, whose work was banned from display by the Communist government. For lunch, try the nearby Anna im Schloss, where East German comfort dishes like sossklopse (veal meatballs in caper sauce) are served within the Royal Palace. 3pm: The New Theatre District Take a 20-minute stroll west of the Old Town, or jump on one of Dresden's yellow trams, to reach Kraftwerk Mitte, a cultural complex housed in a former power station. In the 19th century, this looming red-brick structure provided energy to the city, before falling into disuse — other than as a venue for illegal techno parties in the 1990s. Now it's home to cafes, restaurants and a number of theatres. 5pm: Discover Saxon puppetry Continue your exploration of the vast Kraftwerk Mitte site with a matinee performance at Staatsoperette Dresden, which stages operettas and musicals. Then, head next door to the Puppentheatersammlung, which houses a range of puppets from across the world, including Saxony's long-standing puppet theatre tradition. In centuries past, puppetry was the means by which politics, fashion and satire were disseminated among ordinary people in Saxon towns and villages; the Puppentheatersammlung tells this story while staging topical puppet plays of its own. 7pm: Dresden's New Town Neustadt lies north of the Elbe River, a 20-minute walk or a short tram hop from Kraftwerk Mitte. This is Dresden's buzzing nightlife district and, despite the name, it's pretty old, much of it dating from the period after a fire ravaged the area in 1685. Modernity intrudes in striking ways, and nowhere more so than at the Museum of Military History, whose grand 1870s facade is ruptured by a steel-and-glass shard — a symbol of the fracturing nature of warfare. Traditional regional dishes like venison goulash are complemented with Japanese soba bowls at the Neustadt restaurant, Villandry. Photograph by Christian Kerber 8pm: Dinner at Villandry One of Neustadt's finest restaurants is hip, laid-back Villandry, where a small menu promises quality, seasonal ingredients. Offerings change regularly, but can include beef tongue with cornbread, vegetable strudel and venison goulash. Traditional regional dishes like these are complemented by those from further afield, like Japanese soba bowls; the common theme that runs through the menu is a richness and heartiness, perfect for warming up with on those often chilly east German evenings. There's also a fantastic range of Saxon beers, and wines from the hills near Meissen. 10pm: Drinks in Neustadt Today, Neustadt harbours some of the city's artiest spots, such as Raskolnikoff, a bar, restaurant, hotel and art gallery housed in a listed 19th-century building. The property has been home to flats, an iron foundry and a dance hall over the years before becoming a squat for an art collective in the 1980s. Enjoy a drink or two and then head out to soak up the arty vibes of the Neustadt, making sure to check out the Kunsthofpassage, a series of courtyards adorned with colourful street murals. Kirker Holidays has three nights at Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden from £1,036 per person, B&B, including flights, transfers and Kirker Concierge services. Getting there & around There are no direct flights from the UK to Dresden. Lufthansa connects London and Manchester with Dresden via Frankfurt, Munich and other cities in Germany. Swiss Air flies from the UK to Dresden via Zurich, and Eurowings via Dusseldorf. Average flight time: 3.5h. Dresden is well connected by Deutsche Bahn trains to cities across Germany. Dresden's Old Town and Neustadt can be explored on foot, although the cobbled streets can make it difficult for travellers who use wheelchairs. The city's tram system, operated by DVB, is extremely efficient and easy to use. Pay with contactless card or a ticket pass, available online. The bus service, also operated by DVB, is useful for getting to places the tram doesn't reach. Tram ticket passes are also valid on the bus. Taxi Dresden provides a reliable taxi service and you can book online. When to go Spring is a great time to visit Dresden, with the city's parks and gardens in bloom and highs of 20C in May. Springtime in Dresden sees around 40–50mm of rainfall per month, which is roughly comparable to London. Summers are warm, with highs of 26C in August, while autumn combines mild weather with smaller crowds. Winters can get cold, with sub-zero temperatures common in December and January. Where to stay Dresden Townhouse Vagabond Club, Old Town. From €156 (£132), B&B. Backstage Hotel, Neustadt. From €74 (£62), B&B. More info: Rough Guide to Germany, £17.99. Published in the June 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).


Observer
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Previously hidden Richter mural partially unveiled in Dresden
A hidden work by German artist Gerhard Richter has been partially unveiled in Dresden for the first time inover 40 years. The uncovering of a section of the mural "Lebensfreude" ("Joy ofLife") at the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden has "come to a wonderful conclusion," museum director Iris Edenheiser said in a statement on Monday. The approximately 63-square-metre mural was created by Richter in1956 in a stairwell foyer of the museum as his diploma project at the end of his studies. Previously hidden Richter mural partially unveiled in Dresden The artist then famously defected from East Germany to the West in1961. The mural, depicting various groups of figures in everyday and leisure scenes, was painted over in 1979 with the approval of Communist authorities as it was deemed that "this 'student work' hadno artistic significance." After reunification, the museum made a first attempt to uncover the mural in 1994 but Richter did not agree. In 2022, further talks were held and it was decided along with the artist to only partially uncover a central section of the mural. The 93-year-old Richter, who was born in Dresden, now resides in Cologne. 1dpa
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Previously hidden Richter mural partially unveiled in Dresden
A hidden work by German artist Gerhard Richter has been partially unveiled in Dresden for the first time in over 40 years. The uncovering of a section of the mural "Lebensfreude" ("Joy of Life") at the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden has "come to a wonderful conclusion," museum director Iris Edenheiser said in a statement on Monday. The approximately 63-square-metre mural was created by Richter in 1956 in a stairwell foyer of the museum as his diploma project at the end of his studies. The artist then famously defected from East Germany to the West in 1961. The mural, depicting various groups of figures in everyday and leisure scenes, was painted over in 1979 with the approval of Communist authorities as it was deemed that "this 'student work' had no artistic significance." After reunification, the museum made a first attempt to uncover the mural in 1994 but Richter did not agree. In 2022, further talks were held and it was decided along with the artist to only partially uncover a central section of the mural. The 93-year-old Richter, who was born in Dresden, now resides in Cologne.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Walker Art Center acquires more than 50 new works
The Walker Art Center's collection is expanding. The Minneapolis art museum has acquired more than 50 works for its permanent collection through purchases and gifts as part of its ongoing effort "to diversify its holdings with the work of both acclaimed and lesser-known artists from around the globe." Added to the Walker's collection of more than 16,000 works is a significant work from painter Gerhard Richter. "Abstract Painting" (1990) is part of an ongoing series he began in the '70s. It will join Richter's "Chicago" (1992), which is already in the Walker's holdings. Other notable pieces include an installation from multidisciplinary artist Shue Lea Cheang, Sadie Barnette's installation "Mirror Bar" (2022), and pieces from Rose Salane's Confessions series (2023), which will be part of the "Ways of Knowing" exhibition that opened this month. It has also acquired pieces by artist Sophie Calle, who was featured in the Walker's Sophie Calle: Overshare exhibition, which closed earlier this year. 'In recent years, we have placed a special emphasis on acquiring more works by women artists, BIPOC artists, artists working in new media and performance arts, and artists with ties to Minnesota," Pavel Pyś, Curator of Visual Arts and Collection Strategy, says in a statement. "The collection provides new opportunities for research, dialogue, and exploration of emerging ideas across modern and contemporary art. As such, we are particularly attuned to boundary-pushing artists and those who have made critical contributions to art but have not necessarily received the scholarly recognition they deserve." Other work entering the collection includes paintings by Edgar Arceneaux, Wade Guyton, Suzanne Jackson, Guillermo Kuitca, Joan Mitchell, and Robert Motherwell; sculptures from artists including Siah Armajani and Doris Salcedo; moving image works and installations from Chlöe Bass and Tiffany Sia; and other pieces from Georg Baselitz, Jeffrey Gibson, Barbara Kasten, and Kelly Nipper, among others.